Monday, 25th January 2010
Cristiano Ronaldo scored both of Real Madrid’s goals at the weekend, but was given a straight red 20 minutes from time for an elbow to Malaga’s Patrick Mtiliga. The contact left the defender with a broken nose and was forced to be substituted. Despite the damage done, the former Manchester United hero insists he didn’t have any sadistic intentions.
"It was not my intention to injure Mtiliga. I’m very sad for what happened but calm,” Ronaldo said to Spanish paper Marca. "Those who understand football know that my intention is always to play the ball. This is not a red card here or in anywhere in the world. I’ve spoken with Mtiliga and he told me that I didn’t need to apologise because he doesn’t believe I hurt him intentionally.”
The most expensive player in the world, Ronaldo, has now been sent off for the second time less than two months since his dismissal against Almeria for two foolish bookable offences late in the game. He will miss Real Madrid’s tricky test against Deportivo La Coruna.
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